The Best Soccer Documentaries and Films
Soccer is more than just a sport. It is a universal language, a source of identity, a vessel for storytelling, and a mirror to society. And no medium captures the depth and drama of the beautiful game quite like film. From gritty behind-the-scenes documentaries to inspiring feature-length dramas, soccer on screen offers something for every kind of fan. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of iconic goals, the struggles of underdog teams, or the politics that shape the global game, this list has you covered.
Here are the best soccer documentaries and films every fan should watch.
1. "Diego Maradona" (2019) – Dir. Asif Kapadia
From the award-winning director of Senna and Amy, Diego Maradona is an electrifying portrait of one of soccer’s most controversial and gifted figures. Using over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, the film traces Maradona's rise from poverty in Argentina to his godlike status at Napoli—and the chaos that followed.
Why Watch It: It’s not just a biography; it’s a psychological thriller about fame, addiction, and pressure. Kapadia humanizes Maradona while showing the cost of being a genius in the public eye.
2. "The Two Escobars" (2010) – ESPN 30 for 30
One of the most powerful entries in ESPN's 30 for 30 series, The Two Escobars draws haunting parallels between Colombian soccer star Andrés Escobar and drug lord Pablo Escobar. The documentary explores how narco money elevated Colombian soccer, and how a single own goal during the 1994 World Cup led to a nation’s heartbreak—and Andrés Escobar’s tragic murder.
Why Watch It: It’s a sobering look at how crime, politics, and sport can intertwine. It's part sports doc, part true crime story, and fully unforgettable.
3. "Pelé" (2021) – Netflix
This documentary follows the legendary Brazilian forward from his emergence as a teenage phenom in 1958 to his role in Brazil's 1970 World Cup triumph. But it also dives into his complicated relationship with politics and how he maintained his apolitical image during Brazil's military dictatorship.
Why Watch It: It's a heartfelt, personal look at a man who defined a nation’s identity, backed by thrilling archival footage.
4. "Take the Ball, Pass the Ball" (2018)
Based on Graham Hunter's book Barça: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World, this documentary focuses on FC Barcelona's golden era under Pep Guardiola. Featuring interviews with players like Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi, the film dissects the philosophy that made this team a global phenomenon.
Why Watch It: If you love tactics, team chemistry, and beautiful football, this is a must. It’s a tactical masterclass that doubles as a love letter to creativity on the pitch.
5. "Welcome to Wrexham" (2022–2025)
What happens when two Hollywood stars (Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney) buy one of the world’s oldest lower-league football clubs? Welcome to Wrexham is the ongoing docuseries that answers that question with heart, humor, and a surprising amount of depth.
Why Watch It: It’s not just about the club; it’s about the community, resilience, and what football means to the people who live and breathe it.
6. "Sunderland 'Til I Die" (2018–2020) – Netflix
This raw and emotional docuseries follows Sunderland AFC through one of the toughest periods in the club’s history. After being relegated from the Premier League, Sunderland battles poor performances, ownership struggles, and crushed fan hopes.
Why Watch It: It captures the working-class soul of English football, the heartbreak of relegation, and the unwavering devotion of fans.
7. "FIFA Uncovered" (2022) – Netflix
A revealing look into the dark side of global soccer governance. FIFA Uncovered explores corruption, scandals, and the shady politics behind FIFA's operations, including the controversial World Cup bids and the organization's internal power struggles.
Why Watch It: If you want to understand the business and political power plays behind the game, this is essential viewing.
8. "Next Goal Wins" (2014, Doc) / (2023, Feature Film)
The 2014 documentary follows the American Samoa national team, the world’s lowest-ranked team, as they attempt to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. It’s a story of passion, redemption, and resilience. The film was adapted into a 2023 feature film by director Taika Waititi.
Why Watch It: It’s an uplifting underdog story that shows the power of sport to unite and inspire—plus the real-life characters are pure gold.
9. "The Class of '92" (2013)
This documentary profiles six iconic Manchester United players—David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and the Neville brothers—who rose through the ranks together to change English football forever.
Why Watch It: It’s a nostalgia trip for fans of 90s football, full of insight into how talent, friendship, and opportunity shaped a golden generation.
10. "Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait" (2006)
Directed by Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno, this avant-garde film captures a single match played by Zinedine Zidane for Real Madrid in real-time using 17 synchronized cameras. There is little narration, just Zidane’s movements, expressions, and artistry.
Why Watch It: It's not your typical sports doc—it’s closer to art cinema. But if you’re fascinated by Zidane or the poetics of football, it's mesmerizing.
11. "Goal! The Dream Begins" (2005) and Sequels
This fictional trilogy follows Santiago Muñez, a young Mexican immigrant in L.A. who gets a trial with Newcastle United. The story continues with stints at Real Madrid and the World Cup.
Why Watch It: It’s soccer fantasy at its best—cheesy at times, yes, but a cult favorite that hits all the right emotional beats.
12. "United" (2011)
A dramatic retelling of the 1958 Munich air disaster that decimated the Manchester United team. It focuses on the rebuilding effort led by manager Matt Busby and the emotional toll on survivors.
Why Watch It: Poignant, respectful, and beautifully acted, United is a reminder of how clubs can rise from tragedy.
13. "Kicking It" (2008)
This documentary tells the story of the Homeless World Cup, a real tournament that brings together homeless individuals from around the world to compete and find purpose through football.
Why Watch It: It highlights soccer’s ability to create real-world change and human connection far from the glitz of pro stadiums.
14. "Becoming Champions" (2018) – Netflix
A docuseries exploring the nations that have won the FIFA World Cup, with each episode dedicated to the history, culture, and stars that fueled their triumphs.
Why Watch It: Great for history buffs and casual fans alike. It mixes archival footage with interviews, offering context and inspiration.
15. "This Is Football" (2019) – Amazon Prime
A six-part series that looks at football through a global lens, tackling themes like redemption, faith, love, and inequality through diverse human stories.
Why Watch It: It’s visually stunning and emotionally resonant, showing that football is far more than just goals and trophies.
Final Whistle: Honorable Mentions
Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story (2011)
Beckham (2023) – Netflix series
An Impossible Job (1994) – The infamous documentary following Graham Taylor’s doomed time as England manager.
The Beautiful Game (2024) – Netflix drama featuring Bill Nighy and inspired by the Homeless World Cup.
Maradona in Mexico (2019) – Netflix series about Maradona coaching Dorados de Sinaloa.
Conclusion: A Mirror and a Megaphone
Soccer documentaries and films do more than entertain; they inform, inspire, and reveal truths that go beyond the pitch. Whether you’re a tactical nerd, a fan of emotional arcs, or just love a good story, the films on this list show why soccer is called the beautiful game.
So grab your remote (or a ticket to the next screening), settle in, and let these stories remind you why we love the game so much.
